He stresses the role the British navy had in her success on the global stage from about 1600 through mid 20th century. Britain's strong naval tradition evolved from obvious necessity. Guaranteeing freedom of the seas was very much in her interests, requiring access to her colonies. Britain was too strong to be defeated outright but never strong enough to overwhelm the other great powers of the time. So it was in her material interests to promote global peace & stability & her navy gave her the means to do so.
Britain or pre-Britain England was however conquered by the Romans. It is interesting for me to examine the similarities between the modern Jihadists Terrorists and the ancient Barbarians. Unfortunately my ancestors were at one time considered barbarians. Both my Scottish and Polish ancestors were not conquered by Rome and did not enter into the protection of the Free or Modern World. My Scottish ancestors remained enemies of Rome and my Polish ancestors lived in areas where Roman legions never ventured. One can only hope that these Modern day Jihadists will come to represent the last world tribe that needs to be forceably accepted into the Modern Free World.